Freight train hits snowmobile; no injuries

2/2/2009

A Millbury, Ohio, man escaped unhurt early Monday moments before a Norfolk Southern freight train struck his snowmobile that was stuck on the tracks near a gated railroad crossing in East Toledo, authorities said.

Edward Hardin and Robert Bortols, both of Millbury, were riding their snowmobiles down the tracks about 1:15 a.m. near the 1200 block of Oakdale Avenue when the train approached, Toledo police said. Officers did not say how old the men are.

Mr. Hardin then jumped off his snowmobile and Mr. Bortols drove his snowmobile off the tracks. The men got off the tracks safely before the train hit Mr. Hardin s vehicle, officers said.

The crash occurred about 50 yards from the railroad crossing, Toledo police said.

The incident was under investigation by Norfolk Southern police who released no further details about the crash as of 10 a.m. Monday.